How to Grow Freesias: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Freesias are beautiful and fragrant flowers that are a joy to grow. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow freesias.
Types of Freesias
Freesia bulbs are typically available in mixed colors, with both single and double blooms. Some popular varieties include:
- Freesia ‘Double Mixed’: Large, fully double or semi-double blooms in a range of colors.
- Freesia ‘Golden Yellow’: Vibrant yellow blooms on arching stems.
- Freesia ‘Single Rainbow Mixture’: Single blooms in a wide range of colors.
- Freesia ‘Super Giant Mixed’: Colorful mixture of large, fully double flowers in shades of white, yellow, red, and mauve.
Planting Freesias
When to Plant:
- For indoor flowering, plant freesia bulbs in autumn.
- For outdoor flowering, plant from April to June.
Where to Plant:
- Freesias prefer a warm, sheltered environment with plenty of sun.
- Indoors, place pots in a well-lit spot.
- Outdoors, grow in pots or well-drained soil.
How to Plant:
- Use well-drained soil or potting compost mixed with coarse grit.
- Plant freesia corms pointy-end up, at a depth of 3-5cm.
- Space corms 5cm apart.
- Water well and place the pot in a cool, shaded, frost-free place until shoots appear (around 3-4 weeks).
- Move to a warmer, sunlit position once shoots emerge.
Caring for Freesias
Watering:
- Water freesias regularly, keeping the compost moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing:
- Start fertilizing when flower buds form, using a liquid fertilizer high in potash.
- Apply every 10-14 days.
Supporting Freesias:
- Freesia flowers need support to prevent flopping.
- Use ready-made supports or twiggy sticks pushed into the soil.
Overwintering Freesias:
- Freesia bulbs are not frost-hardy.
- After flowering, cut off faded stems and reduce watering.
- Once leaves die back, lift corms from the soil.
- Ripen corms in a warm place for several months.
- Store in a paper bag in a cool, frost-free place until planting the following year.
Propagating Freesias
- From Seed: Sow seeds in autumn or winter in potting compost with added grit or perlite. Flowering can take a few years.
- From Offsets: Detach small offsets from corms in autumn and plant them individually in pots. Flowering can take a year or more.
Pests and Diseases
- Waterlogged Soil: Freesia leaves may turn yellow and corms may rot if the soil or compost becomes waterlogged.
- Pests: Red spider mite and aphids may appear under cover. Inspect leaves regularly and use appropriate control measures (e.g., improving humidity, using a jet of water, soap spray, or biological control).
Buying Freesias
- Choose healthy corms without any signs of softness or mold.
- Opt for ‘prepared’ freesia bulbs, which have been heat-treated for better growth in our climate.
Conclusion
Growing freesias is a rewarding experience that can add beauty and fragrance to your home or garden. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the vibrant blooms of these captivating flowers for years to come.
